I Do, I Do finally in Argentina

Imagine if you showed up for your wedding day only to find it would be permanently on hold until a court decides....finally a homosexual couple in Argentina is the first same-sex couple to be legally wed in Latin America.

Read more here.

Mexico City recognizes same sex unions & adoption

It is so wonderful to see another same sex union and adoption victory. Now our friends in Mexico City. Click here to read the article.

The season is gay and bright

Make gift giving gay and festive for everyone on your list this year. Click here for great ideas!

What I Know for Sure About Women By Mark Leyner

This was posted on Oprah’s website one day and I think it accurately speaks to the humility and strength of most women I know.

1. Even little girls, in all their blithe, unharrowed innocence, have a presentiment of sorrow, hardship, and adversity…of loss. Women, throughout their lives, have an intrinsic and profound understanding of Keats’ sentiments about “Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips Bidding adieu.”

2. This sage knowledge of, and ability to abide, the inherently fugitive nature of happiness somehow accounts for the extraordinary beauty of women as they age.

3. Women have an astonishing capacity to maintain their equilibrium in the face of life’s mutability, its unceasing and unforeseeable vicissitudes. And this agility is always in stark and frequently comical contradistinction to men’s naïvely bullish and brittle delusions that things can forever remain exactly the same.

4. Women are forgiving but implacably cognizant.

5. Women are almost never gullible but sometimes relax their vigilance out of loneliness. (And I believe most women abhor loneliness.)

6. In their most casual, offhand, sisterly moments, women are capable of discussing sex in such uninhibited detail that it would cause a horde of carousing Cossacks to cringe.

7. Women are, for all intents and purposes, indomitable. It really requires an almost unimaginable confluence of crushing, cataclysmic forces to vanquish a woman.

8. Women’s instincts for self-preservation and survival can seem to men to be inscrutably unsentimental and sometimes cruel.

9. Women have a very specific kind of courage that enables them to fling themselves into the open sea—whether it’s a new life for themselves, another person’s life, or even what might appear to be a kind of madness.

10. Women never—no matter how old they are—completely relinquish their aristocratic assumption of seductiveness.

And here is one last thing I know—and I know this with a certitude that exceeds anything I’ve said before: that men’s final thoughts in their waking days and in their lives are of women…ardent, wistful thoughts of wives and lovers and daughters and mothers.

Gay or nay?

There is no place for hatred in the world no matter the issue. Click here to see MP Brison's saga surrounding his beautiful holiday card.

Wishing MP Brison and everyone a very festive holiday season full of peace, happiness and love~

The season is gay and bright

I love wrapping presents and creating masterpieces for all to behold beneath the Christmas tree. Click here to see some holiday gift giving ideas.

Homo for the holidays

My friends Al and Alex are hosting a party on Saturday night and I cannot wait to attend! I can assure you it will be the most festive party of the entire year. The attention to detail and the exquisiteness of everything will be like nothing you have seen. I am so looking forward to this event!

Read more for holidays tips to have a festive party maximus

Girl, he's not that into you

While many of us are well aware of our sexaulity, for others the road can be a rocky ride to the destination. Read my latest article here

Happy Birthday to me! NOW stop counting the years & make them more liveable

What matters most in life is often viewed as peripheral to the things that we usually focus on.

Passion takes a backseat to production, wellness to working and balance to busyness. The adage that life is not a dress rehearsal is so true and yet we act to the contrary by putting off what is truly important or indulging in things that are not.

On your birthday, stop focusing on your age and start meditating on your life at this exact moment. How can you make it better? During the next year, reshuffle your priorities. Spend more time with family and friends, take care of your body and health by eating well and exercising regularly, and offer to help others in need. Discover what matters most to you, and make your daily life into a true reflection of those ideas, beliefs, and attitudes.

-From SparkPeople birthday message to me

Vancouver's Next Gay Top Model

See my latest article here. Anyone interested in watching eye candy?!

Vulture Culture

I find it astonishing what people believe as reported in the media. Much of what we read in the media is often of scandal, despair, hopelessness and fear; I call it Vulture Culture. Recently, I have noticed this as it relates to the H1N1 hype within the past few months. Now, health officials' estimate 97% of the diagnosed cases of influenza are H1N1. Here is my take on the Vulture Culture of H1N1.

1. STAGE ONE - HYSTERIA: WHO (World Health Organization) releases a travel advisory because OMG we are ALL going to die. Stay home, the world is over, this is Armageddon!!! If you value any kind of future, do not leave your home, stock-pile supplies and for goodness sake, don't travel anywhere, wash your hands and whatever you do, avoid pork and pork bi-products at all costs.
2. STAGE TWO - PANIC: Only half of the population will die; cease shaking hands, avoid personal contact with strangers and axe teammanship at youth sporting events in the form of hugging or kissing! Reduce time spent in public places and participate in only necessary business travel. Be at your own risk of consuming pork products.
3. STAGE THREE - DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON PREMIER: OK, only a chosen few will succumb to this virus. Make sure you execute all possible manoeuvres to acquire a place in the inoculation line ups at designated public centres. Please be advised this may expose you to others with the virus of which are not showing symptoms. Special exceptions for the vaccination will be offered to Calgary Flames hockey players or people of upper social significance or wealth. Pork; what did that have to do with H1N1 anyway?!
4. STAGE FOUR - WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? The H1N1 symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu. For most healthy bodies, you are not required to seek medical attention and most physicians are diagnosing via phone to reduce cross infection in medical centres. Ensure you get lots of rest and consume a large level of non-alcoholic fluids. Enjoy a nourishing ham and scalloped potato dinner.

First five countries to legalize same-sex unions

See my latest article on examiner.com here.

Gays of our Lives

Click here to see CNN’s Anderson Cooper’s coverage of the rejection of Maine’s same-sex union law today.

I have always felt blessed for everything I have in my life; good and bad. No matter how bad any situation is, I know that even the worst of situations WILL get better. There is a strong possibility it may get worst before it gets better; but things will always get better. I have been blessed with health, success, happiness, love and above all, the freedom to choose and make decisions impacting my life and my future.

Today upon hearing the rejection of a same-sex union law in the state of Maine, I felt very sad. Sad for those that live with persecution of not being entitled to a lifestyle they so desire. Who are we to judge and create laws contrary to everything we so desire for ourselves, and those around us? Who are we to restrict unions of love, respect and dignity? Who are we to create unlawfulness of consenting adults wishing to share a lifetime of partnership?

Having been blessed with a life of so many unique and beautiful opportunities and choices, I have been tremendously privileged to have traveled the world. While traveling the globe, it was with great admiration to which North Americans were revered as the epitome of liberation, innovative and freedom of speech. Yet as we witness the lack of freedom entitled to LGBT persons to whom they may not lawfully marry, it makes me distraught and sadden for the barbaric persecution we cast upon their lifestyle.

LGBT persons will live a long and prosperous life with or without the lawful right to marry. I am so very proud for the LGBT people in my life. Scientists, journalists, stage directors, chefs, and lawyers are just a few of the most successful LGBT people I adore and love in my circle of friends. Their contributions to society and community are invaluable and endless. Life is so very precious and too short for needless inhibitions and boundaries for which we may share our matrimonial vows. Love everyone. Love the Gays of our Lives.

Vancouver's Davie Village

As featured on Examiner.com. Click here to see the original article. Sigin up as a subscriber for more LGBT lifestyle features from me!

Although the leaves are falling and the signs of summer are distant on the horizon, Vancouver's Davie Village is lively with distinctive and vibrant venues for those seeking a little more personal, human contact and a break from their computer screen during the gay days of autumn, and for any budget.

The Davie Village neighbourhood was incorporated in 1999 and encompasses the West End communities bordering Davie from Denman Street to Pacific Boulevard. At the centre of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, (LGBT), community, the memorable pink bus stops, rainbow banners, jewel-toned foliage, distinctive shopping, dining, and nightclubs make this a fascinating destination anytime of year.


Tops & Bottoms
The Juniper Café, 1216 Bute Street
The Juniper Café has played host to distinctive events over the years so it is suiting they host Canada's only queer improve. Tops & Bottoms is held every Monday at 7:00pm and offers a well-deserved humourous evening, even for the most discerning comedy aficionado. Free admission.


FreQueency
The Odyssey Nightclub, 1251 Howe Street
Stressing the queen in FreQueency, this affair promises to bring out your inner drag queen choreographed to the latest top 40 hits and drag queens. The Odyssey is an iconic West End nightclub where you will find sexy, young gay men with their beautiful entourage. FreQueency is a great place to be mesmerized by live drag talent, catch up on drag beauty tips and view the latest drag cat-walk fashions. Not for the early to bed; Tuesdays starting at 11:00pm.


Toolbox Wednesdays
Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie Street
Affectionately referred to as the gay version of home shows, a fun environment to discover the latest in adult toys and gadgets to add to your "toolbox". The relaxed atmosphere may even add to finding a friend or two to play with your newest acquisitions. Wednesdays at 9:00pm.


Watch Out For Bears!
Numbers Cabaret, 1042 Davie Street
We are not referring to the bears most of us run the other way upon sighting but rather the ultra sexy, fur-adorned gay men and their admirers. Held every Thursday, 8:00pm to 12:00 am, an opportunity to be up close and personal with bears in a relaxed atmosphere with wacky contests throughout the evening. A $3 cover charge applies.

Hamburger Mary's
1202 Davie Street
Located on the dynamic corner of Davie and Bute, Mary's as she is affectionately referred to by locals has been an icon in the community since 1979. Open 20 hours a day, 365 days a year, Mary's plays host to drag queens pre and post shows, the late night party goers and those just looking for a place to hang. Whether a mouth-watering burger, home-made soup or one of their signature milkshakes, Mary's never disappoints and is the perfect place any day or night. Menu items from $3 & up.

For further information on LGBT events in Davie Village, please visit www.gayvan.com or www.gayvancouver.net.

Olympic Proportions

On Friday October 30, 2009 British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, will welcome the Olympic Torch Relay. A historic moment for many, this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Victorians to celebrate the arrival of the torch under the admiration of other Canadians and resident on other continents. I feel honoured to be Canadian and share in this momentuous experience in my life and in the wonderful country I call home.

Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. In light of our joyous celebrations, protestors are gearing up to cause havoc and disruption to the festivities. This always baffles me as I wish they could look forward to the positive impact of why we celebrate the Olympics. People will be viewing our country around the world and the opportunities are endless for our future. The protestors do not support government's financial contributions to the Olympics and are liberated to publically protest. The Olympics support athletes, business and government. A sizeable amount of money is exchanged in our economy for the Olympics and can only have a positive long term impact. The short term implications, are just that. However, being Canadian, it is our fundamental right to our own opinions.

My wish is for both to create a win-win for this very special day for me and many others.

Click here for photos of the lighting of the torch.
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=17918.html

Old Boyfriends and Twitter

I have been a loyal Twitter follower for almost a year. For me the early stages of Twittering might as well have been a foreign language. Although I pride myself in my ability to self educate, Twitter stumped me. After a few weeks of trial and error posts, I soon caught the hang of Twitter.

However it did not take long to realize how much the art of Twitter resembles the ignorance and avoidance of an old boyfriend. Particularly the boyfriend you may have dated for a longer period of time and you have had a circle of friends which you have shared.

The art of Twitter involves following others and their posts while also providing others the ability to follow your Tweets. Tweeters always have the option of un-following other Twitter Followers. Tweeters may opt to block and un-follow someone, however you can not block the Followers listed on your list that your blocked Follower is following. When you have blocked someone they can easily review that you have blocked them by checking their list of Followers periodically.

For me I do not block anyone due to the huge sense of guilt it makes me feel. What will they think? Sooooo, I choose not to block my Twitter Followers. I chant the mantra "out of sight, out of mind". From time to time I notice their Tweets on my screen and I cannot ignore. Although I no longer wish to be part of their circle of friends, I am completely uninterested in what they are tweeting, but wonder who they are Tweeting about~

So the next time you accept and follow a Twitter Follower always imagine in your mind if they fit the "old boyfriend" profile before you click on Follow.

Click to follow me on Twitter.

Pass the Service

With each interaction of customer service personnel, it is shockingly evident how rare customer service is nowadays. I think my favourite examples of poor service involve waiting at a coffee shop counter as the colleagues behind the counter sort through their personal plans for after today’s shift. I once joined the conversation they were having as I waited to give my money, which supports the business that pays their wages and facilitate their dreams of tonight's party. When I joined in their very awe inspiring conversation, they did not think my comments were worthy and found my participation in such an important topic as rude and obnoxious. Of course, I thought it was funny.

How did we create a generation of uncustomer service? We all hear the stories of Generation Y and their need to be consulted on decisions pertaining to their happiness and well being. All because their parents often felt guilty for leaving them alone as they participated in a better lifestyle for their family with the decision to have two healthy earners, leaving a void of the role model of typical June Cleaver mother figure of 60’s. As parents over compensated for leaving Junior alone, they often gave in and would over compensate for the void of parent role models. Experts have hinted this has led to the dilemma of Generation Y. Fair enough and I agree, but who told them it was ok not to epitomize customer service?

I grew up in two families; one of my single mother and one of my father and step mother. All parents worked and we would often come home to chores and preparation for dinner. My parents expected all of us to help out, regardless of the Moms working or not. And even though both of my Moms worked, there was no slipping in the courtesy or manners we executed. In fact, I think the Moms were grumpier from working, so they prompted us even more for manners. Perhaps it was their way of getting the day’s frustrations out, but one thing is for sure, there was no skimping of manners.

I equate manners into customer service. Customer service is often common sense and generally a large part of any training and development program of any business; good or bad. New colleagues are walked through the do’s and don’ts of routine. They mimic their colleagues as they learn. Businesses also expect a fair level of common sense in judgment from their colleagues. Do businesses need to tell colleagues to be hospitable to others?!

Pass the service please.

Addict to Lux

Undeniably, I'm addicted to luxury hotels. I love the polished front line staff as they stand to attention when I arrive and the address of “Ms. or Mr." upon guests' arrival. Upon arrival, their world stops and I am the centre of the universe, the eyes-on-me attention seeking moment. I love luggage assistance: “may I offer assistance with your luggage Madam?” The primping and the pampering commences the journey to my luxury-seeking hotel stay.

I adore room service menus and fluffed bathrobes, and I get mushy when I see crisp, starched white linens and my own petite-sized toiletries in the bath. The essence of turndown service; someone pre-tucks me in and helps sends me to la-la-land.

I adore welcome amenities. I once stayed at a hotel that delivered a single shot of Bailey's Irish cream with two shortbread cookies, served on a beautifully bold white plate. Along side the plate, a refreshing bucket of ice and a turndown story card, notable of the hotel's history. As I poured my Bailey's over ice, I nibbled the buttery shortbread and read the hotel history. While pampering me in luxury, the hotel created subliminal brand loyalty. How could I ever stay at another hotel again? No one could ever offer me these indulgences, personalized touches or anticipate my needs in quite this manner.

Preparing and anticipating a guest’s arrival is the best planning any hotel can investigate time and money to, whether a budget, modest or luxury hotel. The challenges and tribulations guests face en route to their final destination is unpredictable and much unwelcomed. Downsizing and overbooking on airplanes results in lengthy check-in lines and disgruntled union airline workers. Bumped passengers are left with little resources and compensation for wasted productivity and disregard for personal obligations. Those who manage to board the flight, often find themselves jammed against other passengers in small, unwelcoming spaces with little hospitality, overpriced food and lack of comfortable services. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the struggle to hail a taxicab begins and the cab driver rarely offers engaging hospitality. So when the guest’s feet hit the front entrance, hotels are often the last chance to offer a rebuttal to the day from hell. Afterall, you’ve paid for this experience and you want it to be the home away from home where you’ll lay your head and place your bum in the bed for the night. You’re not in the mood to put the boxing gloves back on and fight for the room you’ve booked. Once the arrival goes well, guests are more inclined to indulge in the hotel services to rejuvenate and disregard their travel experiences. This may include a meal or spa experience worthy of letting go of the purse strings.

WHEW! What a ride...?!

I’ve just embarked on my twentieth year in the hotel biz. Honestly, I am not sure where the years have gone. I candidly remember all the long, grueling hours and hard work; the stories, the friends and the memories... but really, where have 20 years gone?

In addition, harbored deep in my mind are the salacious secrets of nameless Hollywood Producers, the A-Lister’s inside afternoon infidelities and the “if these walls could talk” tales no one could believe if I recanted. Believe me, the secrets we know could not be imagined in a million years! I will endeavour to share some interesting tidbits with you as they come to my mind. Funny thing is, they come to my mind at the strangest of times! Relax, sit back and enjoy.